The morning sun hung lazily over Wolf College, its light spilling across the courtyard as Leora made her way toward the training grounds. Theron followed a step behind, his silence heavy but steady, like a shield at her back.
She was still mulling over the sharp words of the Elite Wolf Group from earlier when a familiar voice broke her thoughts.
"Leora!"
She turned to see Nyra weaving through the crowd toward her, her warm smile as bright as ever. When she finally caught up, she was slightly breathless, but her eyes held a glimmer of determination.
"I've been meaning to talk to you," Nyra said quickly.
Leora tilted her head, amused. "About what?"
Nyra slowed her steps so they could walk together. "About the Elite Wolf Group. Don't take anything they said to heart. They act important because they were all born into beta families. They've been spoiled with status since the day they could walk. Honestly…" She wrinkled her nose. "They're arrogant brats."
Leora let out a soft laugh. "I did notice the arrogance part."
"Exactly." Nyra smiled in relief. Then her expression softened, more hesitant this time. "And, um… I should probably apologize. About Nyelle."
"Nyelle?" Leora frowned, trying to place the name.
"My twin sister," Nyra explained, lowering her voice. "We're not identical, so most people don't realize right away. She's the one who kept staring at you yesterday with that… attitude."
Leora's eyes widened a little. "That's your sister? Really?". Staring at Nyra's face now, she did see the slight resemblance and they both had the same hair colour…black with blue streaks but honestly, Nyra was prettier.
Nyra nodded, a faint bitterness crossing her features. "Yeah. She's part of the Elite Wolf Group. They welcomed her in, of course. She thinks it makes her untouchable." She hesitated, then sighed. "She wasn't always like that. But once she got that invitation, it was like she stopped being my sister and became one of them."
Leora felt a tug of sympathy. She slowed her pace, brushing her fingers along the strap of her notebook. "That must be difficult. To see her change like that."
"It is," Nyra admitted. Then she forced a smile. "But honestly, I'm glad I wasn't included. I'd rather be myself than live with my nose stuck in the air."
Leora laughed, the sound easing the tightness that had been coiled in her chest since yesterday. "I think I like you already, Nyra."
"Good," Nyra said with mock seriousness. "Because I've already decided we're going to be friends."
Leora blinked in surprise, then smiled, warmth blooming in her chest. Maybe this place wouldn't be so lonely after all.
By the time they reached the training grounds, the air was filled with the sound of paws pounding against the dirt track. Dozens of wolves raced side by side, their fur glinting under the sun, their growls and pants echoing across the field. Dust kicked up in thick clouds as the crowd of students cheered them on.
Nyra tugged Leora toward the sidelines, where students were sitting and clapping for their classmates. "They're practicing speed drills," she explained. "We all take turns racing in wolf form. It's one of the ways they test our agility."
Leora sat down, folding her hands neatly in her lap. Her eyes scanned the field as another group of students took off. This time, one wolf—a sleek, ash-gray beast with golden eyes—shot forward like a streak of lightning. He crossed the finish line long before the others.
The wolf shifted, fur retreating to reveal a tall boy with a confident grin plastered across his face. Jarek.
"Of course," Nyra muttered. "He wins every single time."
Jarek's eyes swept the crowd. When he spotted Leora, his smirk sharpened. He lifted his chin, as if daring her to challenge him.
Leora straightened in her seat, her heart giving an uneasy thump.
"Looks like you've got his attention," Nyra whispered with a roll of her eyes.
Before Leora could respond, one of the students nearby called out, "Luna! Why don't you join the race?"
Another voice chimed in. "Yes, let's see what you can do!"
The whispers grew louder, voices overlapping as excitement rippled through the group.
Jarek folded his arms across his chest. "She won't," he said, his tone dripping with mockery. "She knows she can't beat me." His smirk widened. "Isn't that right, Luna?"
The crowd tittered with laughter, all eyes on her. Leora's pulse quickened. She forced a polite smile, though her palms were clammy against the fabric of her skirt.
Nyra leaned close, whispering urgently, "Don't listen to him. You don't have to prove anything."
Leora tried to steady her breathing, but the weight of their expectations pressed down on her. If only they knew.
On the edge of her vision, she caught Theron's sharp gaze fixed squarely on her. His expression was unreadable, but she could feel it—he was watching to see what she would do.
"Enough."
The firm voice rang across the training ground, cutting through the noise.
The principal had arrived, his posture commanding immediate silence. His eyes narrowed at the group before flicking briefly to Leora.
"It is too soon for Leora to begin field training," he said, his tone brooking no argument. "Her schedule prioritizes lessons in tradition, duty, and the responsibilities of leadership. She is not here to race."
The crowd stilled. Some students muttered their disappointment, but none dared speak against the principal.
Leora let out a quiet breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She met the principal's eyes and gave him the faintest nod, gratitude shimmering behind her composed expression.
If he hadn't stepped in, she wasn't sure what she would have done.
Jarek scoffed, muttering under his breath as he shifted back into his wolf form and trotted off.
Nyra nudged her gently. "See? Don't let him get under your skin. He's not as untouchable as he thinks."
Leora smiled faintly, though her chest still felt tight. She tried to appear unbothered, but inside, she was shaken. Every challenge, every expectation, reminded her of the truth she was hiding—if she didn't unlock her wolf, there were plenty of others waiting to take her place.
And from the corner, Theron still watched, silent and sharp-eyed.
Just as she's about to leave, Jarek smirks and calls after her in front of everyone:
"Enjoy the protection while you can, Luna. Next time, I won't let the principal stop me from proving you're weak."